News
The world’s top service oriented Spa’s revealed: Maldives wins again
Maldives Promotion House – The annual announcement of the World Luxury Spa Awards winners marks the highlight of a year-long search for the very best spas on the global front. Maldives offers number of world class spas and spas from Maldives were among the winners at this year’s awards.
- One&Only Spa by ESPA Reethi Rah Best Luxury Wellness Spa – World
- Talise Spa at Jumeirah Dhevanafushi Best Luxury Emerging Spa – Indian Ocean
- Coco Spa Maldives Best Luxury Fitness Spa – Indian Ocean
- Araamu Spa Maldives Best Luxury Wellness Spa – Indian Ocean
- One&Only Spa by ESPA Reethi Rah Best Luxury Beauty Spa – Indian Ocean
- Six Senses Spa Laamu, Maldives Best Luxury Emerging Spa – Maldives
- Six Senses Spa Laamu, Maldives Best Luxury Destination Spa – Maldives
- Six Senses Spa Laamu, Maldives Best Luxury Resort Spa – Maldives
- Angsana Spa Velavaru Maldives Best Luxury Beauty Spa – Maldives
The World Luxury Spa Awards commends and recognise outstanding achievements in service excellence, giving thanks to spas that have excelled. The World Luxury Spa Awards programme reward those spas that have raised the bar of service excellence within a highly competitive industry over the past year. The World Luxury Spa Awards congratulate unsurpassed service excellence and put the spotlight on those spas representing only the finest standards.
The categories awarded in the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards included Best Luxury Hotel Spa, Best Luxury Mineral Spring Spa, Best Luxury Safari Spa, Best Luxury Emerging Spa, Best Luxury Fitness Spa, Best Luxury Destination Spa, Best Luxury Wellness Spa, Best Luxury Resort Spa, Best Luxury Spa Group, Best Luxury Day Spa, Best Luxury Beauty Spa, Best Luxury Boutique Spa and Best Luxury Medical Spa.
“2012 has been a very interesting year for the spa industry, with many new spa additions and the level of competition where exceptional evident from the calibre of spas being nominated,” says Marinique de Wet, Executive Manager of the World Luxury Spa Awards. “We’ve never received so many nomination entries like we did this year, and it has been a truly thrilling experience to see who eventually came out on top!”
Open to luxury spas in the respective categories, the World Luxury Spa Awards™ are recognized and respected on the global front by the public and media at large and are universally acknowledged as the world’s leading awards initiative for luxury spas. France24 is the proud media partner to the World Luxury Spa Awards.
The winners and finalists were selected by means of an annual voting process where thousands of spa guests worldwide have been given the opportunity to vote online in order to have the fairest judging process possible. Competing spas in 2013 included small sized privately owned spas to globally renowned spa groups.
Official voting closed on the 18th of March and the response and comments from voters were phenomenal. Thousands of votes & feedback came in from across the globe and as a result key brands and independent spas were rewarded for their extraordinary efforts. Award winning spas are announced on a country, continent and global basis.They stood up to the highest expectations and where tested by discerning spa-goers looking for the ultimate experience where only the absolute best is acceptable.
Marinique de Wet, Executive Manager, World Luxury Spa Awards™ said: “The World Luxury Spa Awards™ is the highest accolade a spa can ever hope to receive. For participants the World Luxury Spa Awards™ challenge service excellence and highlight the importance of constant improvement. The Award truly puts the Award winning spas ahead of their peers from a marketing perspective. In addition to the honour, prestige and global exposure of winning a World Luxury Spa Award, winners share in fantastic marketing benefits including online profiles and marketing guides that further build staff moral and maintain credibility.
“Consumers are increasingly using the list of winners and finalists as a reliable guide and means of reassurance when choosing their next spa destination evident from increasing visits to the Awards website”, says de Wet.
“In these tough economic times our spas and wellness retreats have shown their anticipation to succeed and have come out even stronger than before. The World Luxury Spa Awards are there to recognise the very best of the best and raise the bar of service excellence even higher than before”, says Mrs Marinique de Wet. “We are delighted that the Spa Awards has become such an important highlight on the spa industry calendar and we are looking forward to an exciting 2014 registration year ahead”.
Recipients of this prestigious accolade see challenges as opportunities and stay ahead with strategic changes allowing facilities and service to stay on par with global trends. We congratulate all our winners further to this outstanding achievement.”
News
Season of renewal: Noku Maldives unveils ‘Tides of Transformation’ celebrations
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, has unveiled its Festive Season 2025/2026 celebrations under the evocative theme “Tides of Transformation.” Drawing inspiration from the natural rhythms of the island—the shifting tides, the coloured skies, and the soft glow of bioluminescence—the programme invites guests to embrace renewal, reflection, and meaningful celebration.
The theme is rooted in moments when the world appears to pause just long enough for change to unfold. At Noku Maldives, transformation is not rushed; it emerges gently, in harmony with nature. Beneath star-filled skies and glowing tidal waters, renewal takes shape through quiet awakenings, moments of stillness, and the subtle power of beginning anew.
This festive season, the resort celebrates not only the joy of togetherness but also the beauty of becoming. From the bioluminescent shimmer illuminating the lagoon at night to the delicate unfurling of petals at dawn, each element reflects the island’s reminder to return to one’s essence. As the tides shift and the stars realign, guests are invited to welcome the coming year with intention and clarity.
Guests will experience a carefully curated programme centred on renewal, reconnection, and elevated island living:\
- Celestial Celebrations: Gala evenings inspired by celestial paths and cosmic rhythms, where music, artistry, and light converge beneath the open sky.
- Ocean-Led Rituals: Signature experiences influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides, including moonlit beach walks, sunset ceremonies, and coastal gatherings.
- Wellness Journeys: Mindful practices designed to restore and realign, from sunrise yoga and transformative spa treatments to meditative island rituals.
- Elevated Festive Dining: Seasonal menus crafted with fresh island ingredients, bringing together flavours of the land and sea.
- Family Moments & Island Adventures: A series of meaningful activities for families, including creative workshops, stargazing evenings, and island traditions that bring loved ones closer.
Each component has been designed to echo the central theme, encouraging guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and enter the new year with renewed purpose.
“Tides of Transformation” serves not only as a festive concept but also as an invitation to reflect, embrace gentle change, and step into the year ahead with renewed clarity. Whether through quiet moments by the lagoon, shared celebrations under the stars, or the simple joy of island life, guests will discover a season shaped by stillness, beauty, and the transformative rhythm of the tide.
Noku Maldives welcomes travellers from around the world to celebrate a festive season inspired by the serenity and natural wonder of its island setting.
For more information and reservations, guests may visit the resort’s website or contact noku.reservations@ihg.com.
Entertainment
Holiday Inn Kandooma confirms Missy Higgins’ 2026 Maldives residency
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, together with event organisers Music in Paradise, have announced the return of one of Australia’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, Missy Higgins, for a series of intimate performances at the resort’s private island from 13–20 June 2026.
Following her inaugural 2025 Maldives concerts, which drew rave reviews from fans and media alike, Missy was quick to declare she had “unfinished business” in the tropics, promising to return for more music, surfing, diving, and island relaxation.
The week-long event blends all the magic of a Maldivian getaway with three exclusive sunset concerts, performed by Missy Higgins against the backdrop of swaying palms and turquoise waters. Guests will enjoy beachfront and rooftop Sunset Bar shows, plus unique meet-and-greet opportunities with the artist.
With 26 ARIA Award nominations and five Australian No. 1 singles to her name, Missy’s return to Kandooma promises to be one of the most sought-after events of 2026. Attendance is capped at just 200 guests, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable experience.
“There’s nothing better than great live music and a beach. Add in Missy Higgins and the Maldives, and you’ve got the ultimate getaway. Bring your mates, bring your family — this is one trip you’ll be talking about for years,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“Imagine starting your day diving or snorkelling in the Maldives, then ending it with Missy Higgins singing just metres from the water’s edge. That’s what awaits at Kandooma in 2026, and after my experience at her last performance here, I can promise it’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.”
The Gold Experience Package is selling fast at A$4,490 per person twin share including:
- Entry to three exclusive evening events
- Three intimate performances by Missy Higgins
- Meet & greet session with Missy Higgins
- Professional photo opportunity with the artist
- Music in Paradise welcome bag, commemorative poster & t-shirt
- Seven nights in a Beach View Villa (13–20 June 2026)
- Daily buffet breakfast at Kandooma Café
- Return shared speedboat transfers from Malé
- Welcome drink & cold towel on arrival
- Tea, coffee & bottled water in-villa, replenished daily
- Complimentary snorkel trip & snorkelling gear
- Two scuba dives per day for two (T&Cs apply, licensed divers only)
- Music in Paradise Traveller Care Guarantee
Information about Premium packages, including the VIP Experience (Beach House) and Platinum Experience can be found here. The Ultimate Experience (Overwater Villa) and Family VIP Experience are already sold out.
Set in the South Malé Atoll, just 40-45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a tropical paradise of white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coconut palms.
Guests can choose from Garden and Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses, and the signature Overwater Villas. Families are well catered for with spacious 2- and 3-bedroom villas and the vibrant Kandoo Kids’ Club. Six dining outlets showcase international flavours, while Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala offers a tranquil escape for body and mind.
News
Kandolhu Maldives introduces revamped Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas
Kandolhu Maldives has announced the completion of its latest refurbishment, which includes the transformation of its Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas into luxurious retreats of comfort and style. Designed to maximise privacy and relaxation, these newly upgraded villas now feature a fresh, contemporary design, complete with private pools and stunning panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Spanning 120 square metres, the redesigned Deluxe Ocean Pool Villas offer a spacious bedroom, a bright and airy bathroom with a deep oval bathtub overlooking the ocean, and a private outdoor deck. The deck includes sun loungers, a sun umbrella, and a new 23-square-metre private pool. For added indulgence, a hammock suspended over the water invites guests to relax while soaking up the tranquil ocean views.

The villas retain the signature minimalist aesthetic of Kandolhu, originally envisioned by renowned Maldivian architect Mohamed ‘Sappe’ Shafeeq. Seamlessly blending with the island’s natural beauty, the design incorporates high ceilings, open spaces, rich textures, and a calming palette that exude understated elegance. Modern amenities, such as Bluetooth speaker, espresso machine, and in-villa wine fridge, add a touch of convenience and luxury.

The refurbishment further cements Kandolhu Maldives’ reputation for offering an exceptional combination of zen-like design, privacy, and natural beauty. These enhancements aim to provide guests with an elevated experience, ensuring their stay is as relaxing and memorable as possible.
For more information or to book, please visit www.kandolhu.com.
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